In celebration of Teachers’ Day, over 4,500 teachers and non-teaching personnel from Palo, Sta. Fe, Alangalang, San Miguel, Babatngon, Tanauan and Tolosa in Leyte’s 1st District were honored Sunday as beneficiaries of the “AKAP para kay Ma’am at Sir” initiative.
This program is a part of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), which was made possible through the collaborative efforts of House Speaker Martin Romualdez and the Tingog Partylist, led by Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Rep. Jude Acidre.
“Mahal na mahal ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos ang mga Pilipino, lalo na yung mga taga-Leyte. Kaya lahat ng nahihirapan sa pang-araw-araw na gastusin ay matutulungan natin dito sa AKAP ni PBBM,” said Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives.
The celebration was even more exciting with performances by Wacky Kiray, who entertained the audience and added a dose of laughter to the meaningful gathering.
During the event, raffle prizes were also given out, with 10 lucky individuals receiving P10,000 in cash and another ten fortunate winners awarded brand-new laptops. These prizes were personal gifts from Speaker Romualdez and Tingog Partylist, adding an element of surprise and joy to the celebration.
Rep. Jude Acidre of the Tingog Partylist represented Speaker Romualdez. In his keynote message, Acidre expressed the Speaker’s unwavering commitment to expanding this initiative to include all public school teachers in the province and eventually those in private schools and state universities and colleges (SUCs).
He said the initiative represents a broader mission to ensure that teachers who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities are properly supported and appreciated.
“Speaker Romualdez deeply values the sacrifices and dedication of our teachers. This program is a token of our gratitude, and it’s just the beginning. We envision a future where every teacher, whether in public or private institutions, will feel the government’s support for their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future leaders,” Acidre said in his address.
Key officials from the education sector attended the event, including DepEd Region 8 Regional Director Evelyn Fetalvero, Assistant Regional Director Ronelo Firmo, and Schools Division Superintendent Mariza Magan. They expressed their gratitude for the program and acknowledged its essential role in uplifting educators’ morale.
The recipients of the financial aid also expressed their profound gratitude. Many teachers shared how this timely assistance would help them support their families, especially amidst rising costs.
One teacher remarked, “This program is not just a financial blessing; it’s a reminder that our efforts as educators are valued. Speaker Romualdez and the Tingog Partylist have truly touched our hearts today.”
Rep. Yedda Romualdez said the “AKAP para kay Ma’am at Sir” initiative is more than just a financial assistance program; it is a sincere tribute to the heart and soul of the education system – our educators.
Speaker Romualdez, the DSWD, and Tingog Partylist have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting educators, recognizing their lasting impact on shaping a more robust, brighter future for the country.